KIAMA MEN'S 6-A-SIDE SOCCER

Kiama Netball Association (KNA) is leading the way in NSW netball with the launch of a new Youth Advisory Group, designed to embed young people directly into governance and decision-making at a local association level.The Youth Advisory Group is a nine-month role, running from April to December 2026, and is open to young people aged 12 to 18. The initiative aims to provide meaningful leadership opportunities and a genuine platform for young members to contribute to the future of netball in Kiama.KNA President Michelle Gregory said the program reflects the association’s commitment to listening to young voices and investing in the next generation of leaders.“Our young people have incredible insight, energy and ideas,” Gregory said.“This group gives them a genuine seat at the table while helping them grow as leaders within netball and the wider community.”The initiative has been driven by long-time Kiama Netball volunteer Natalie Allan, who is also a coach and parent of two daughters playing club and representative netball.“We have a lot of committed volunteers, but we also have an ageing committee,” Allan said.“At the same time, we’ve got a group of young people who are really passionate about netball and want to be involved in more ways than just playing.”Allan said her interest in developing the group was influenced by her daughter Molly’s involvement in the inaugural Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group in 2025.“It’s been a fantastic experience for her,” Allan said.“She’s had the chance to contribute as a regional netballer and share her perspective as both a player and a young coach.”Molly said the experience showed her the value of youth participation in leadership roles.“Being part of the Netball NSW Youth Advisory Group showed me how much young people can contribute,” she said.“I’m excited to help bring the same experience to Kiama so players here can help shape the future of netball locally.”The idea was initially proposed as a club-level youth committee before being taken to the Kiama Netball Association. All six affiliated clubs supported the concept, agreeing it should be implemented at an association-wide level.“We realised pretty quickly this was bigger than one club,” Allan said.“Having all six clubs on board showed there was a real appetite to give young people a seat at the table.”The Kiama Lions Club has provided KNA with $500 in seed funding. Photo: Netball NSWThe Youth Advisory Group will provide participants with exposure to governance, decision-making and community engagement, while allowing the association to benefit from fresh perspectives and new ideas.To support the establishment of the group, Kiama Netball has drawn on its strong relationship with the Kiama Lions Club, which has provided $500 in seed funding.Young people interested in applying for the Kiama Netball Association Youth Advisory Group can do so via the online application form: https://forms.gle/H2XZhk51zsiH5T5J8.

All 44 spots in the annual Kiama Sevens Tournament have been filled with more than a month remaining before the event returns for its 54th consecutive year.“We’ve got all 44 spots in the men’s and women’s competitions already covered,” tournament director Mark Bryant said.“We’ve got a team from Western Australia, three coming up from Victoria, one from the ACT, and the rest from Sydney, which is really good and makes for a strong competition. I’d say it’s probably the strongest women’s competition we’ve seen.”Not only does 2026 mark the tournament’s 54th year, it also follows one of the most successful seasons Kiama Rugby has enjoyed in recent memory, with first grade winning the premiership and reserve grade finishing runners-up.“They’re in the Country Cup playing against other country sides, and they’re all pretty strong,” Bryant said.“Kiama’s given them a shake-up over the last couple of years, so it’s a new season. It depends on who turns up at training and who’s had a big off-season at Christmas. But they’re always competitive and they always have a real go, which is great for the club.”Kiama in last years Kiama Sevens tournament. Photo: Brian ScottThe Kiama Sevens has long been regarded as one of the strongest rugby sevens tournaments in Australia and New Zealand, particularly at a time when the format is shrinking elsewhere.Bryant pointed to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, an international competition run by World Rugby, which has recently reduced its number of teams.“They’ve reduced it from 12 teams down to eight,” he said.“New Zealand no longer has the same competitions it once did, and a number of others have disappeared altogether. Even though sevens is still an Olympic sport, there’s no real expansion at the moment. At 54 years, we’re still standing strong.”Because of its reputation, the Kiama Sevens has also become a valuable scouting opportunity for Rugby Australia.“Ultimately, everyone wants to be an Olympian and this is a genuine pathway,” Bryant said.“Rugby Australia and the Australian Sevens program, including Tim Walsh and Scott Bowen, will send players into teams coming back from injury or keep an eye on certain players. They use Kiama Sevens as a sighting board.”The tournament’s media launch will take place on February 20, the week before the event, with Scott Bowen - High Performance Manager for the Australian Sevens program - set to attend.“He’s a former Wallabies five-eighth, so having him come down will be great,” Bryant said.“It’ll be good to hear from Scott and see how Rugby Australia continues to be involved with the Kiama Sevens.”Bryant believes the tournament’s longevity comes down to consistency and trust built with clubs over decades.“We keep things much the same so clubs know exactly what to expect on the day,” he said.“We’ll still have Touchdown Helicopters bringing in the trophies, we’ll still have seven finals on the day, and as long as the fields are in tip-top shape, everything’s pointing towards another big weekend.”The Kiama Sevens will take place on February 28. Organisers are still seeking volunteers for the event.Anyone interested in being part of one of Kiama’s biggest annual sporting events - and potentially seeing future Olympians in action - can contact Kiama Sevens via their website at kiamarugby.com/contact or directly through Bryant on 0439 640 896.

Former Kiama Nipper and 11-time Coolangatta Gold winner Ali Day currently leads the Shaw and Partners Iron Series heading into the final round of the competition.The Shaw and Partners Iron Series is a gruelling four-round competition that brings together the fittest and strongest surf athletes in the country, all competing for the top prize.The series began with the 2025 Coolangatta Gold, which the 35-year-old Day won. Round two was then held in Newcastle on December 13 and 14, where Day got off to a strong start.Ali’s father, Ross Day, explained that the Newcastle round featured three races on each day. Day one consisted of three super sprint races, with Ali finishing second in the final, behind Callum Brennan.“On day two,” Ross said, “the races took the format of an eliminator. In the first race, 28 competitors started, with the last six eliminated.”“Race two saw 22 start, and again the last six were eliminated. The third and final race was contested by 16 competitors, with Ali winning that one.”Ali, who has won the series five times, was ecstatic to secure the day-two victory, propelling himself to the top of the points leaderboard.“To get it done today is special. I was annoyed yesterday when I crossed the line in second place, but at the same time I was so happy for CJ [Brennan],” Day said.“I knew going into today it was going to be hard, but the conditions suited me. They were kind of flat and you’ve got to work for it. I felt that as each Ironman race went on, I got a little bit better and better. When the opportunity came knocking, I just grabbed it with both hands.“The feeling of knowing it’s my last year, I have no regrets. I wanted this one today and I’m happy to come away with the win,” he said.After a long break, the next round of the competition was held last week on January 10 and 11.With Day clear at the top of the leaderboard, he didn’t need to do much to maintain his position and did not place in the various races on day one.However, during Sunday’s Ironman eliminators, he claimed victory in the first of three races and finished fifth in the final.Despite not achieving the results he may have hoped for, Day remains at the top of the points leaderboard, now equal first with Ethan Callaghan.The series will be decided on the final weekend in Miami, Queensland, on January 31 and February 1. Day one will feature three Iron Sprint races, with the top 12 athletes progressing to the grand eliminator on Sunday.The grand eliminator will consist of three Ironman races, starting with the final 12 competitors. After each race, the last two finishers will be eliminated, with the series winner crowned at the conclusion.With everything on the line in the final round, Day will be chasing one last statement in an extremely impressive career.

You could be excused for seeing double on the cricket pitch during a Kiama Cavaliers fourth-grade match this season, with a remarkable five father-son pairings taking the field throughout the 2025-26 campaign.Those combinations include Shane Wilson and his son Oliver, Adam McCrone with sons Harry and Riley, Andrew Marsh with Heath, Giles Brown with Milo, Brett Nortje with Marlow, Col Bayley with Hayden and Glenn Coghlan with his son William.Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown said the decision to re-form a fourth-grade side in 2025 was driven by the opportunity to connect fathers and sons through cricket.“A number of dads coach junior teams, and through those conversations we discussed the opportunity to form a fourth-grade side again, giving fathers the chance to play cricket with their sons,” he said.“We wanted to use fourth grade as a platform to introduce talented young cricketers into grade cricket - firstly by allowing them to play alongside their dads, and secondly by creating a pathway to nurture talent and progress through the grades.”Brown said the initiative has delivered a double win for the club: encouraging fathers out of retirement while preparing young players for the demands of grade cricket - and creating some unforgettable moments along the way.“Seeing the pride of dads taking the field alongside their sons has been priceless. We plan for this to be a long-term opportunity for fathers to return to the game and play with their boys. There’s no better moment than a parent taking a catch from their child’s bowling - the whole team gets around it,” he said.The father–son dynamic has also fostered a strong family culture within the team, adding to the atmosphere of Kiama Cricket Club as a whole.“Fourth grade probably attracts the best spectator attendance, largely due to the father-son and family connections. We often see siblings, mums, partners and grandparents coming along to watch, which has shaped our culture into one centred on fun and family. It has also brought a lot of energy to training sessions and post-match functions at the leagues club.”The young players in Kiama's fourth-grade team. Photo: Bernie BrownOn the field, fourth grade has also been Kiama’s most successful side this season, currently sitting second on the ladder - a result Brown attributes to strong team chemistry and quality mentorship.“The boys have been key contributors so far this season, often finishing matches with the bat and showing maturity, determination and fight,” he said.“In round five, in a match reduced by hail and rain, 17-year-old Milo Brown guided the Cavs home over Gerringong with three balls to spare. The following week, Oliver Wilson and Harry McCrone finished the job against Oak Flats with three overs in hand. The boys aren’t just participating - they’re competing and winning matches.”Brown said the team culture has played a major role in the development of the young players and is something he hopes will continue into the future.“Our skipper, Andrew Marsh, leads the way by giving the boys responsibility within the team and backing them. There’s also plenty of banter between fathers and sons, which keeps the environment fun and helps take pressure off the boys,” he said.“They’re also learning umpiring and scoring, which are important aspects of the game. Recently, we held a father-versus-son friendly match followed by a barbecue - a great way to return after the Christmas break and, by all accounts, a fiercely competitive contest, with the boys eager to beat the dads.”Following the Christmas break, fourth grade was the only Kiama side to avoid an abandoned match, but they were unable to continue their strong form, falling to ladder leaders Jamberoo.Kiama Cricket Club will celebrate its 170th anniversary on 7 February at Kiama Leagues Club. Tickets are available via the club’s website.

GERRINGONG JETS 2ND GRADE T20

KIAMA CAVALIERS 2ND GRADE T20

KIAMA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GRAND FINAL - GROUP 2

KIAMA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GRAND FINAL

KIAMA CAVALIERS4TH GRADE CRICKET

KIAMA JUNIOR CRICKET - UNDER 13 BLUE

Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) will host a special screening of Chasing the Gold, a new documentary about the iconic Coolangatta Gold race, on Wednesday (14 January).Created by Nalu Productions and Walker Films, the film follows athletes Connor Maggs, Lana Rogers and former Kiama Nipper Ali Day as they pursue victory in one of Australia’s most gruelling endurance events.“The Coolangatta Gold is the race that defines the spirit, history and identity of surf lifesaving in Australia,” said Kiama SLSC’s Denita Wright.“It is recognised as one of the most demanding Ironman and Ironwoman races, and Chasing the Gold brings the behind-the-scenes story to life, capturing an iconic Aussie culture with an intimate portrayal of what it takes to be a winner of The Gold.”Wright said Kiama SLSC was inspired to screen the film as a way to share the story of a surf lifesaving legend who began his journey at Kiama, while also raising funds for the club.“Ali Day’s surf lifesaving story began as an eight-year-old Nipper at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club. Kiama SLSC is lucky to secure Chasing the Gold, and we are the only club within our branch hosting the film,” she said.“The long hours and commitment of volunteer surf lifesavers to patrols, training and community service are what it’s all about - patrol teams working together, senior members mentoring juniors, and our club coaches training and supporting our athletes.”In addition to fundraising, the event aims to strengthen the relationship between the surf club and the wider Kiama community, something Wright believes is vital.“Hosting events helps the club stay visible and connected, not just as a patrol service but as a social and cultural gathering place. Chasing the Gold is a way for Kiama SLSC to give something back, and it strengthens the connection locals and visitors have with the beach, the club and the surrounding community.”Wright hopes the dedication and hard work showcased in the film will inspire audiences of all ages.“We hope Chasing the Gold will inspire our Nippers, other young kids and adults too. The movie shows the dedication, commitment and resilience required by athletes to pursue what they love to do,” she said.“For those aspiring to follow in Ali’s footsteps, his advice is simple: ‘I hope the film encourages the next generation to get out in the surf, have a crack, and never give up on their dreams’.”The screening will be held on 14 January at the Kiama SLSC clubhouse, starting at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased here, and Wright hopes the event will sell out.“Your ticket directly contributes to the future of surf lifesaving. Let’s sell it out - bring your family, bring your mates, and settle in for an uplifting night celebrating the athletes, culture and history that make surf lifesaving so special.”

As part of a series looking back at the major moments of 2025, The Bugle is presenting a look back on the stories that mattered on the South Coast over the past 12 months - this article was first published on 26 OctoberAli Day has retired a happy man after winning a barely believable 11th Coolangatta Gold on the weekend to sign off from the elite ironman ranks in perfect style.The former Kiama Surf Life Saving Club nipper has rewritten the record books to become one of the most decorated and admired athletes in the history of the sport.Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Day became the first ironman to win the three major titles in the same season – Coolangatta Gold, Iron Series and Australian Championships.This year’s Coolangatta Gold was shortened but Day yet again blitzed the opposition to win in a time of two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds to finish 53 seconds ahead of Northcliffe rival Matt Bevilacqua and Cory Taylor, who was a further 26 seconds behind his training partner.“It’s so good – that’s probably one of the first times I had doubts coming into it,” Day conceded.“I felt like Bevy was coming home like a freight train. I’m just counting my lucky stars that I got away with another one.“Obviously, with the 40km race you’re in rhythm the whole time and with the shorter race, running that soft sand was brutal.“You just never get in the flow. I knew that if I could just keep somewhat of a barrier, I was going to be OK. Bevy, CT - they were chasing me that whole time and I was holding on for dear life in that last run leg.”Day removed any doubts that he would go around again next time.“That is 100% the last time I’ll do this race,” he said.“It was a huge challenge. I wanted to tell myself after last year that I wouldn’t come back and do it. But at the same time, I get to live this incredible life, I have an incredible family and an incredible support network, sponsors.“I still knew in the back of my mind I had one more in me and I’m so glad I was able to win this one.”Day led by 70 seconds coming into the final run leg and Bevilacqua looked to be finishing the stronger but the undisputed champion was too strong.The Coolangatta Gold has a new female champion with 24-year-old Electra Outram from Sunshine Beach claiming her first major title.Before taking part in his final event, Day was inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame, recognising his extraordinary career defined by excellence, resilience, and contribution to the surf life saving movement.Ali crosses the finish line. Photo: Surf Life Saving AustraliaHis career accolades include:10x Coolangatta Gold Champion (a record unmatched in history)5x Nutri-Grain Ironman Series Champion with 22 race wins4x Australian Ironman ChampionWorld Ironman Champion4x Queensland Open Ironman ChampionAustralian and state representative“You never start your career to get awards or have this recognition, you want to make the Iron Series, I wanted to win the Gold, you want to be a professional and get the most out of yourself for as long as you could,” Day said.“I’ve been in the sport since I was eight years, and a professional for 17 years so it’s really special for me, but it’s more special for my circle – my kids, my parents, Kel, my coaches, the clubs and people who have made my career what it is.”Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said Day “represents everything that Surf Life Saving stands for – courage, commitment, and community.“His record speaks for itself, but it’s his integrity and passion for giving back that truly set him apart.“Ali’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a champion who has inspired generations on and off the beach.”

Former Gerringong junior Tyran Wishart has signed a long-term deal with Perth, joining Melbourne Storm teammate Nick Meaney in committing their future to the club from 2027 onwards.Wishart has signed a five-year deal while Meaney has linked with the Bears for three years.An energetic utility player, Wishart has played 84 NRL games for the Storm since his debut in 2022 and has twice represented the Australia Prime Minister’s XIII.The 26-year-old, whose father Rod was an Illawarra Steelers legend, was awarded the Storm’s Rookie of the Year award in 2022 and has scored 21 tries for the club.“I’m really excited about the challenge of being a part of a new team and creating a legacy for the Perth Bears, as well as representing the past players and fans of the Bears and Reds franchises,” Wishart said. "I see this is an opportunity to continue to evolve my game and be a part of something special for the NRL and sport in our country.“There is already so much buzz about the Perth Bears and I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it.” Meaney, who has scored 62 tries and kicked 351 goals in 159 NRL appearances since his debut with the Knights in 2018, is another handy recruit for Perth coach Mal Meninga. “Tyran and Nick are exceptional players that will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our club,” he said."I am absolutely thrilled to welcome them to the Perth Bears.“Tyran’s energy and effort across all levels of his game make him a player that others want to play with.“He is highly skilled, tough as nails and will set the standards for us both on and off the field.“Nick provides us with creativity and spark in attack and is also an excellent defender.“He can play multiple positions in the backline, is an exceptional goalkicker and like Tyran will be a leader at our club.“Above all, Tyran and Nick are exceptional people who will help us set the standards for Perth Bears for 2027 and beyond.”

As part of a series looking back at the major moments of 2025, The Bugle is presenting a look back on the stories that mattered on the South Coast over the past 12 months - this article was first published on 11 November.Young surfer Alice Hodgson made history as the first female to win the annual Jones Beach Boardriders surfing competition in its 43-year history.Held at Jones Beach on Saturday, the event - renamed Robbo’s Round last year - began bright and early at 7am, with 64 competitors going head-to-head.“The competition was first introduced in 1983 when our club started, 42 years ago,” said JBB president Hayden Bombaci.“It’s a specialty event. Instead of the usual four surfers per heat battling for waves and the win, this one is one-on-one - the winner progresses through the draw all the way to the final, knockout style.”The conditions were on the smaller side, perfect for the younger groms but trickier for senior competitors.“The smaller, trickier conditions often give an advantage to the younger, more agile groms,” laughed Bombaci. “Plenty of groans from the oldies could be heard!”After a day full of upsets, the final came down to two young surfers - Hodgson and 13-year-old Lennox Lindsay.“It culminated with two groms in the final,” said Bombaci.“Their tenacity to hustle from round one all the way through was awesome. Both competed with smiles on their faces, inspiring even younger competitors. Dreams start small and local.”Bombaci said the reaction to Hodgson’s win was incredible.“Everyone lost it,” he said. “She took down some huge names and was on a rampage through the draw."I think this victory was a real coming-of-age moment - her introduction to stamping her dominance in the area and the sport. No one sees the hours of effort she puts in - they just see the result.“She personifies the JBB spirit. As a club, we love her. All our girls are ripping and super supportive of each other. There’s a crew of girls who don’t even surf but come down every event to cheer them on."They ran down the beach and met her at the water’s edge, giving her the ultimate surfing honour - being chaired up the beach.”The event received strong community support, including professional judging from Surfing NSW, a $50 voucher from real estate agent Aimee Longbottom for the highest heat total, bread rolls donated by Breadrocks Shell Cove, and meat from Superior Meats in Shellharbour.“A huge $2000 was donated by Daniel Mikosic from Multiquip, and a brand-new custom surfboard was donated by Matt Thompson from Indumech through Zink Kiama,” added Bombaci.“You can see there’s plenty of community backing, which is incredible. Every cent we generate comes from members, sponsors, and grants.”It wasn’t just about donations - the event brought the whole community together.“We had members and non-members hanging out. One of the neighbours we checked in on because of the noise had actually set up on the deck with friends, enjoying the music and hilarious commentary,” said Bombaci.“The community are absolute legends and the reason we love our little spot. In this crazy world, it’s cool to provide a safe place for all walks of life to hang out. There’s a real sense of belonging.”This year marked the second under the event’s new name, Robbo’s Round, renamed from Man on Man in honour of community member Pete Robinson. The idea came from JBB life member Grant Mason.“Pete Robinson lived in the house next to where we hold the events most of the time at North Jones,” Bombaci explained. “He’d often come and say hello - we used his power and water, not to mention the hooter, for years.“Pete’s wife Karen still lives there, and the family remains very supportive. Pete’s son Ben earned a wildcard invite this year. Unfortunately, Pete has since passed away, so we fondly call it Robbo’s Round in loving memory of him - and all our members and community who we’ve lost.”Looking ahead, Bombaci said the future of JBB and the event is bright.“We’ve got great surfers coming through and older members returning because it’s a place of belonging,” he said.“Robbo’s Round is a unique event and certainly my favourite. It’s always a great day - no second chances, no making it up next month. The best surfer on the day wins it all.”

As part of a series looking back at the major moments of 2025, The Bugle is presenting a look back on the stories that mattered on the South Coast over the past 12 months - this article was first published on 12 NovemberGerringong 82-year-old John Le Carpentier, or “Chippy” as he is known around town, defied Father Time yet again at a gruelling event at University of Wollongong’s recent Illawarra Fitness Festival.Despite his age, Chippy braved the Team Race category alongside 21-year-old University of Wollongong College graduate Cohen Harms and student Max Ferri.His contribution included a 700m run and 700m on the rowing machine, followed by another 700m run before finishing with 140m of a farmer’s carry with two 10kg weights.While he found the weighted exercises breezy, the competitive and intensive nature of running was the event’s most taxing aspect.“I'm quite capable of going out tomorrow and walking 40 or 50km, that would never bother me. But running is a different thing,” he said.Chippy is no stranger to fitness challenges - he has previously been involved in a 12-hour Lifeline walk and the 1000km Oxfam Trailwalker with his family.He also attends spin classes twice a week, takes daily 6km walks and frequently orienteers, also logging a fitness activity for every single day of September as part of Million Moves’ campaign to popularise physical exercise.To train for the Hyrox event at the uni, Chippy called upon his instructor Korin Koutsomihalis and UOW College fitness student Daniel Fleming, both of whom work at Soul Fit Co.“Doing exercise with other people is motivating as opposed to just doing it on your own, because you can always find an excuse to [avoid] it.“But when you do it as a group, you feel obligated to turn up and do it, and you kind of bounce off each other,” Chippy said.He has no intentions of slowing down, with a trip to Japan on the horizon that includes a seven-day mountain hike.“My thing with keeping fit is not about the length of life, but the quality of life,” said Chippy.“So it's kind of advantageous - you spend less time getting treated by doctors because you're healthier.”

By David Graham It is not often you meet up with a tennis player who has a family connection with greatness. That's the case with Julia Szulerowski.Julia and Ralph lived and worked in Boston and later Dallas Texas. The Szulerowskis returned to Australia in 2007 and later made their home in Kiama.After retiring in 2015 the pair joined the Kiama Tennis Club and started playing social tennis at the Blowhole courts.Julia's great grandfather was William Cecil Marshall, who was an amateur tennis player who reached the first Wimbledon Men's singles final in 1877. He was an architect designing private houses and many university buildings in Cambridge, England as well as a university building in Dublin. William went on to design tennis courts in Cambridge and London. The first Wimbledon had a field of 22 players. A small crowd of about 20 dressed formally, paid one shilling to watch the match standing as there were no seats. A far cry from the modern-day Wimbledon. Marshall was a defensive player and was no match against the aggression of Spencer Gore, who won the match 6-1 6-2 6-4 in 48 minutes. Julia believes that funds raised from the match were put towards a much-needed grasscourt heavy roller.William was also an amateur artist, naturalist and keen ice skater.Whilst Ralph did start playing a little tennis back in his high school days at Wollongong High School, he really took the game on after joining the Kiama Tennis Club in 2020. Julia and Ralph began social tennis, finding it was a great way to exercise during the Covid pandemic. Ralph won the KTC B Grade mixed doubles in 2023 and 2024 with Helga Pimm, and has had a number of successes at the Kiama Vets and Legends tournament held each November.Julia continues to enjoy her tennis, playing social matches each Tuesday and Thursday, as well as competing in triathlons and walking.

In 2025, the Kiama LGA enjoyed one of the most memorable sporting years in recent history. The year delivered three top-grade grand final victories, four lower-grade premierships, four local NRL debuts, an 11th Coolangatta Gold triumph, and a young surfer winning two major qualifying series events.Rugby league and rugby unionThe year began with outstanding success across both rugby league and rugby union. Kiama sides reached grand finals in reserve and first grade in both codes. While reserve grade narrowly missed premiership success, first grade claimed the titles across both competitions.Kiama Rugby’s clash against Shoalhaven was decided in dramatic fashion. A sideline conversion after the siren from young gun Tom Baker sealed a one-point victory, ending a 22-year premiership drought and delivering the Illawarra District Rugby Union title.Meanwhile, in Group 7 rugby league, the Kiama Knights produced one of the most courageous performances in club history. Repeatedly defending their line against the Shellharbour Sharks, the Knights secured a gritty 16-4 grand final win, capping off a remarkable turnaround after winning just three games in 2024.NRL and elite pathwaysAt the elite level, a remarkable eight Gerringong Lions juniors featured in the NRL in 2025, including four debutants. Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan represented the Dragons for the first time, while Ashton Ward debuted for the Rabbitohs. They joined Reuben Garrick, Jackson Ford, Tyran Wishart and Kyle McCarthy as Lions products playing at the game’s highest level.Kiama junior Maria Paseka also starred for St George Illawarra, featuring prominently in the NRLW competition throughout the season.Local club successKiama Hockey Club enjoyed an exceptional year, with four women’s teams reaching grand finals across second, third, fourth and fifth grade. Fourth and fifth grade went on to claim premierships, capping off a strong season for the club.Women’s soccer also flourished, with three local teams claiming premierships:The undefeated Kiama Quarriers All Age Division 1 sideThe undefeated Jamberoo Ravens Over 40s teamThe Gerringong Breakers All Age Division 3 teamTogether, they rounded out a standout year for women’s sport across the LGA.Surfing and endurance sportRising surfing star Lucy Darragh capped off a remarkable year by claiming bronze in the Under 16 female division at the ISA World Junior Championships. Her 2025 campaign included victories at the Nias Pro and the Taiwan Open, propelling her to number one on the Oceania Qualifying Series rankings.Former Kiama nipper Ali Day further cemented his legendary status by winning a record-breaking 11th Coolangatta Gold - an achievement unmatched in the event’s history. He also announced his retirement in a career that includes an extraordinary résumé: five Nutri-Grain Ironman Series titles, four Australian Ironman Championships, one World Ironman Championship, and four Queensland Open Ironman Championships.AFL and other highlightsIn Aussie Rules action, although Kiama Power narrowly missed finals across all grades, the club recorded a significant year of progress. Highlights included the club’s first all-grade clean sweep in six years and four players selected in the AFL South Coast Teams of the Year.Additional highlights from 2025 included:Former NRL stars Junior Amone (rugby) and Zac Lomax (cricket) lining up for Kiama teamsKiama bodyboarder Sophie Leathers winning the inaugural female division of the Shark Island Challenge13-year-old Lennox Lindsay claiming the Under 14 Australian Junior Surfing ChampionshipOverall, 2025 delivered extraordinary success for sport across the Kiama LGA, for both men and women. With clubs chasing back-to-back titles, locals competing at elite levels, and emerging juniors making their mark, 2026 promises to be even bigger.

For Arnie Delaite, sport has been a defining part of his life since high school days in the United States.Growing up in the cold northern-eastern state of Maine, Delaite first discovered his passion for athletics in his sophomore year, encouraged by friends who were strong competitors themselves.“I started running quarter miles and half miles, and I just got better and better,” the 82-year-old said.Arnie's article in Maine US newspaper.His talent quickly became clear, breaking multiple school records in running events, discus and javelin.His success continued when he attended the University of Maine, where he chose to pursue athletics over basketball - despite having captained his high school team.It was a decision that paid off.“In my first year at university, I broke the school record,” Delaite recalled. “That was a real highlight for me.”Now living in Kiama, Delaite is competing at an impressive level.He recently travelled to Canberra to compete in Masters athletics, entering six events and bringing home six medals.Arnie's six medals from masters athletics.“I was pretty happy with that,” he said with a laugh.When reflecting on his decades-long involvement in sport, Delaite says athletics remain his favourite.“Looking back, athletics is probably my favourite sport. I’m really enjoying it at the moment.”His advice for young athletics is simple but meaningful: “Just stick with it. "Keep working at it and you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.”From breaking records in Maine to winning medals on Australia tracks, Delaite's journey is a testament to lifelong dedication - and the joy of continuing to do what you love.